How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal basics

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which method you use depends on how much time you have before expiration and whether your license qualifies for online renewal. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Maryland sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license, but only works if your address and name have not changed and your license is not suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, payment, and proof of residency to the MVA, and takes about two to three weeks to arrive.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your address or name changed, your vision has changed significantly, or you need a REAL ID-compliant license.
You can renew online or by mail up to one year before expiration, but you cannot renew if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year.
Maryland charges $109 for a standard eight-year renewal; REAL ID licenses cost $131 and require proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

Online renewal through the MVA website

The Maryland MVA website allows you to renew online if you meet specific conditions. You can use online renewal only if your name and address have not changed since your last license was issued, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you do not need a REAL ID-compliant license. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $109.

To renew online, visit the MVA's official website and select the license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). After you complete the transaction, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are denied online renewal, the website will tell you why and direct you to mail or in-person options. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal with forms and documents

You can renew by mail if your name and address have not changed and your license is not suspended or revoked. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to an MVA office. The process typically takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your materials.

To renew by mail, you need to send the MVA a completed Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit), your current license, a check or money order for $109, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail your materials to the address listed on the MVA website.

Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The MVA will mail your new license to the address you provide on the form.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person at an MVA office if your name or address has changed, if your vision has changed significantly since your last license, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you want a REAL ID-compliant license. In-person renewal also applies if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment of $109 for a standard license or $131 for a REAL ID license. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 to find an office near you and check wait times. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Maryland offers both standard driver's licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or another acceptable form of federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

If you renew online or by mail, you will receive a standard license unless you specifically request a REAL ID license. To get a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to the standard documents. A REAL ID license costs $131 instead of $109.

You do not have to get a REAL ID license if you have a passport or other federal ID, or if you do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVA to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons. The MVA website has a tool to check your license status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date shown on your current license. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. Online and mail renewal both allow early renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your materials. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot and mails the permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If your address changed, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your address is different from what is on your current license.

Do I need a REAL ID license to renew?

No. A standard driver's license is still valid for driving. You only need a REAL ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you want a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can show the MVA's confirmation email or receipt as proof that you have renewed. Keep that proof with you while driving.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.